THE Mid Somerset Show saw a significant increase in participation this year with livestock entries rising notably across several categories.

On August 18, the agricultural show marked another year with a diverse range of cheese exhibits, local produce, and livestock entries across various categories.

The livestock sections saw an increase in entries, with the cattle section up by approximately 50 per cent. There was also a rise in the number of sheep, while the pig entries remained strong.

The horse section received strong support this year, with several prize winners having previously achieved success in major competitions earlier in the show season.

This year’s president, Richard Clothier, a prominent cheese producer, noted that his great grandfather won medals for dairy cows at the show in 1902. 

The Clothier family has been long standing supporters and sponsors of the event.

Richard commented on his experience as president, stating that he “really enjoyed the day; it was an absolute pleasure.” He expressed hope for the show’s continued success and described it as “a celebration of great produce thanks to the wonderfully enthusiastic producers.”

In the horse section, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, sent three Suffolk horses to the show, two of which were home bred, with Tinglestone Cyclone James winning the championship.

Hannah Payne, from Priddy, won first prize in the Young Farmers Club beef cattle category with her entry, Gin.

The Sheeted Somerset cattle won their class in the Any Other Dual-Purpose section with Tanglenold Helga, a heifer under 18 months. Shown by Andrew Tanner of Winford, who is reviving the breed based on the Dutch-belted Lakenvelder, a lighter-framed cow historically imported into Somerset and related to the Belted Galloway.

Emily Clothier, from Ston Easton, won the Young Farmers Club dairy cattle, with a Holstein heifer six months old or under.

Harriet Bown, from Binegar, won the Black Welsh Mountain reserve championship with her ewe lamb. 

In the Butcher’s Lamb classes Roger Lyons, from West Harptree, won the championship and the W G Cook Challenge Cup. Roger also had entries in the local sheep classes winning both the championship and reserve championship with the George Sutherland Perpetual Trophy.

The final attraction in the main ring was a parade of vintage tractors, showcasing a collection of classic and nostalgic machines.

For more information about the Mid Somerset show visit: https://www.midsomersetshow.org.uk/